Which one should I choose?

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(I'm not sure which category to put this post in so sorry in advance)

Hello all,

Main Question: Should I use my 1,574 refund check to spend on a CNA program for this fall or use it to finish up my last 4 perquisites?

Background information: I need 4 prequisites to be completed before I can start the nursing core classes next fall. However, I can take those 4 pre-reqs in the university itself, but it will also delay me from starting the official nursing program next fall and I would have to be a 5th year senior (I have one semester to finish up my Gen Eds this year).

But I also want to become a CNA and be able to get that one year of experience when I do graduate nursing school (I planned to work every summer).

My classes will cost about 1,300 and the closest CNA program to me will be $900. So which one should I choose: Graduate nursing school with my BSN in 3 years or become a CNA and gain that 1 year of experience?

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Pay for your classes.

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Specializes in NICU.
But I also want to become a CNA and be able to get that one year of experience when I do graduate nursing school (I planned to work every summer).

Graduate nursing school with my BSN in 3 years or become a CNA and gain that 1 year of experience?

Are you implying that working as a CNA for a year will get you "1 yr of nursing experience" for RN positions?

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Yes, so I could have a year of experience because many jobs required that now... My school highly recommends me to become a CNA too.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

CNA experience does not count towards the one yr experience required for an RN position. Even LPN experience is rarely taken into consideration.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check you may be able to challenge the CNA after your first semester nursing fundamentals course. Take the classes. A year of CNA experience does not count as a year of nursing experience as far as applying for jobs. Only a year of paid experience working as a licensed nurse counts as a year nursing experiencd

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Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

I'm not sure if its like this everywhere, but around here, most employers will pay for your CNA training, or train you themselves.

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Oohhh, I didn't know...

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